Chemical Engineering is the engineering discipline which makes extensive use of chemical transformations in addition to physical transformations to achieve added value. Because all manufacturing involves chemical transformations in one way or another, chemical engineers are employed in virtually all manufacturing industries, from the basic chemical, materials, energy, food, pharmaceutical and microelectronics industries to the myriad consumer products industries.
Students in the MS in Chemical Engineering program will take a number of advanced courses in key fundamental chemical engineering areas such as transport phenomena, applied mathematics, thermodynamics, kinetics and reaction engineering. In addition, students will select a number of electives courses to develop knowledge and expertise in specialized fields such as energy engineering, materials engineering, bioengineering, environmental engineering, engineering design, and control management.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
Visit our Profiles Page to learn more about our students and alumni
Please Note: Requirements for graduation, course offerings, course availability, track offerings and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for any classes.
- A minimum of 28 units is required to earn the M.S. in Chemical Engineering degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2023 | September 15, 2022 |
| Fall 2023 | December 15, 2022* |
* DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2023 is available for online DEN@Viterbi applicants who intend to pursue their entire degree program online and do not require a visa sponsorship. Please email den@viterbi.usc.edu to request an application extension.
On-campus students who apply by published deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted.
Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities.
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Visit our
Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Materials Science.
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts: Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs.
- Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement : The personal statement should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- GRE: General GRE test scores are not required for 2023
- Letters of Recommendation (3 Required): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
English Language Proficiency: In addition to application requirements above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. Please review USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
IMPORTANT: USC does not accept Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials test scores.
APPLY NOW - USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
The following is an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition.
TUITION
| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
| Fall 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
| Fall 2021 - Summer 2022* | $2,199 | $6,597 | $8,796 |
| * Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE – 28 UNIT PROGRAM
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2022/23
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
| Student Health Center Fee | $527/semester | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
| Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2022: $805
Spring 2023: $1,468 | | |
Visit Tuition & Fees for more information
BELINDA GARANA
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
I would love it if everyone knew about the algorithm I developed to identify drug mechanisms-of-action which may benefit cancer patients based on their gene signature. You can access it here: https://github.com/BelindaBGarana/DMEA.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I have primarily been involved with leading the club I started at USC, Women in Chemical Engineering, but I also serve as a Liaison for USC Women in Science and Engineering.
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ALISON KENNEDY
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I was really interested in my research group! I work with Professor Nutt in the M.C. Gill Composites Center, which has been a great fit since I'm really passionate about the work. I studied polymer science and engineering for my undergrad, and worked in the composites group at Case Western Reserve University so I feel that my skills are very applicable. I also liked that the department houses both chemical engineering and materials science, especially since my bachelors degree sits in between. I've been learning so much, but can still use everything I've learned since the department and lab are both very interdisciplinary!
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I'm a Mork Family Department senator for the Viterbi Graduate Student Association! It's been a great opportunity to meet other students, especially after a few years of being remote. I also have a mentorfrom Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), and they've been super helpful. It's really nice to talk to someone who has been through the program and can help set some of my expectations!
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ALEXIS OYETIBO
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I studied Chemical Engineering in my Bachelor's program at Howard University and completed three summer internships: 1. Summer research student at Harvard University, 2. Research and development intern at Kraft Foods Group, and 3. Research and engineering intern at ExxonMobil,.
Tell us about your interests outside the classroom.
I was an active member of the Mork Family Department Graduate Student Association and the National Society of Black Engineers. I also participated in activities organized by USC Christian Challenge, a campus ministry that held events such as discipleship conferences and bible studies. Additionally, I love outdoor activities and playing sports.
Overall, how was your USC journey?
My experience at USC was awesome. I learned the importance of networking, developed professionally, and formed lifelong friendships. I am proud to be a member of the Trojan family.
Alumni Employment
- Ageless Zen Inc.
- CUFFINN APP INC.
- FDM Group - IT Consultant
- GlobalFoundries
- Malmstadt Lab USC - Research Assistant
- Microsoft - Software Engineer
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Systems Engineer
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Principal Systems Engineer
- Pharmavite LLC - ACE Engineer
- Rang Technologies - Clinical Data Analyst
- Sharada Labs
- Southern California Gas Company - Project Engineer
- SpaceX - Operations Engineer
- Thousand Oaks Biopharmaceuticals, Inc
- University of Southern California
Internships
Facebook Inc.; Fluxergy; Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Los Alamos National Laboratory; L&T Technology Services Limited; Lucid Group, Inc; Polycoat Products; WePay, Inc.; Wildcat Discovery Technologies
This program is also available online to professional engineers through DEN@Viterbi. Because the DEN@Viterbi program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online.
If you are interested in beginning classes as a DEN@Viterbi student next semester, explore the requirements and steps to enrolling as a Limited Status Student.
Learn More About DEN@Viterbi
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
DEN@VITERBI ONLINE COURSE OFFERINGS
The following courses and program requirements serve as program planning for DEN@Viterbi students. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Please consult with advisor if you have any questions.
| Required Courses |
| All courses are required - 16 units total. |
| CHE 501 | Modeling and Analysis of Chemical Engineering Systems (4 units) |
| CHE 530 | Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers (4 units) |
| CHE 538 | Transport Processes (4 units) |
| CHE 542 | Chemical Engineering Kinetics (4 units) |
| Elective Courses |
| Elective courses must be approved by the department. Students can apply 400 level classes towards elective requirements per adviser's approval. Please note that Graduate Students Cannot Count More than 9 units of 400 Level Courses towards their MS Degree. - 12 units total. |
Deficiency Courses
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| Students without a B.S. in Chemical Engineering must complete deficiency courses at USC. Units from these deficiency courses cannot be applied towards the M.S. in Chemical Engineering. If you have questions about deficiency courses please consult with your department advisor. |
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